Description
Book SynopsisAn overview of Germany's naval and imperial activities in East Asia and the Pacific in the years leading up to the First World War. This book examines German attempts to acquire colonial territories in East Asia and the Pacific, and discusses the huge impact this had on local and other international powers. It covers the German acquisition of Kiautschou in 1897, which had profound consequences for China, beginning a "scramble for concessions" by other western powers; the formation of the powerful German East Asiatic Cruiser Squadron which was seen by the British as a major threat, andwhich resulted in the advent of the Fleet-Unit concept and the birth of the Royal Australian Navy; the Japanese siege and capture of the key German base of Tsingtau in 1914, and the fate of the various former German colonies afterGermany's defeat in 1918. The book contains many illustrations from the author's extensive private collection. Charles Stephenson is an extensively published military historian, whose books include: Moel Famau and the Jubilee Tower of King George III (2008); Servant to the King for His Fortifications: Paul Ive and the Practise of Fortification (2008); The Admiral's Secret Weapon, published by Boydell in 2006; Fortifications ofthe Channel Islands, 1941-45: Hitler's Impregnable Fortress (2006); The Fortifications of Malta, 1530-1945 (2004); and Zeppelins: German Airships, 1900-1940 (2004).
Trade ReviewA well-presented book about a long-forgotten topic. * THE NORTHERN MARINER *
A useful account of the German empire's brief experience as a colonial power in Asia and the Pacific. [...] A worthwhile book that should find a place in all libraries. * CHOICE *
The presentation of material from an impressive collection of secondary and some primary sources, with particular reference to the brief German colonial presence in the Asia-Pacific region, will certainly be of considerable interest to general readers. * BULLETIN OF THE SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL & AFRICAN STUDIES *
The story is a fascinating one ending with the military actions by Britain and Japan to put an end to German influence in Asia and the Pacific. * CASEMATE *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Bismarck and Empire: 1885-1888. Kaiser Wilhelm's Land, the Bismarck Archipelago, the Marshall Islands and Nauru The Acquistion of Kiautschou: 1897 China 1897-1914: Colonial Development and Political Turbulence Tectonic Shift 1: 1898-1899. Spain and the USA, Germany, Micronesia and Samoa Tectonic Shift 2: 1902-1914. Japan and Russia, Britain and Dominion Defence, the United States War. August 1914 Naval Plans and Operations 1897-1914 Kiautschou: Naval and Military Operations 22 August - 28 September 1914 Tsingtau: Naval and Military Operations 28 September - 7 November 1914 Aftermath
